One Man’s Confection Is a Neighborhood’s Landmark

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 11, 2026

Antonio “Tony” Echeverri, a longtime East Village resident, has transformed a six-story 1891 tenement into a brightly painted and whimsically decorated landmark celebrating New York City's diverse immigrant heritage. His personal restoration, including a $100,000 facade refresh with colors symbolizing multiculturalism, highlights both the neighborhood's evolving identity and the tensions between preservation and individual artistic expression.

In the East Village, a six-story building at the corner of Avenue B and East Fourth Street has become a colorful local landmark, reflecting the personal vision of its owner, Antonio “Tony” Echeverri. The building, notable for its vivid palette and whimsical decorations, stands in contrast to the more common gray and glass structures that dominate much of the cityscape.

Echeverri, 79, an immigrant from Colombia who has lived in New York City for more than five decades, purchased the Italianate-style tenement in 1992 when it was slated for demolition. He said he paid approximately $450,000 at the time, and despite an offer of $11 million several years ago, he declined to sell. Over the years, he has invested heavily in restoring and maintaining the property, including eradicating rat infestations and upgrading essential infrastructure.

The building’s design dates back to 1891 and was crafted by the architectural firm Scherber & Herter. Originally, the neighborhood was a hub for immigrant communities, including German, Polish, Jewish, Hungarian, and Italian populations. Today, the structure serves as a vivid tribute to the diverse cultural history and contemporary fabric of the East Village.

This year’s repainting of the facade, which cost over $100,000, features tones of Spring Lilac and Charmer Violet—shades inspired by the gemstone Echeverri wears. Rather than echoing the Colombian flag colors that adorned the building in the past, the new palette aims to represent the broad spectrum of ethnicities and cultures found in New York City. Echeverri described the colors as a celebration of “all of us,” acknowledging the city’s diverse inhabitants.

The exterior decorations further contribute to the building’s character. Around the entrance, motifs including a radiant sun, a smiling crescent moon, pastel stars, and a slate gray eagle—reminiscent of Colombia’s Andean condor—embellish the facade. Echeverri said these elements symbolize his immigrant journey, his daily labor, and his dual heritage.

The building’s unique design has elicited mixed reactions from the community. Andrew Berman, executive director of Village Preservation, noted that Echeverri’s work highlights the immigrant history and evolving demographics of the East Village. Some residents appreciate the vibrancy and representation, while others express a preference for a return to the building’s original appearance. Steve Sinclair, 73, described his view as one of resignation, appreciating the vivacity but longing for the building’s historic look. Meanwhile, younger onlookers characterized the decoration as gaudy, reminiscent of the Gilded Age.

Echeverri, for his part, embraces his individual vision. “This is my idea, not your idea,” he said, underscoring his personal connection to the project. His efforts reflect a lifelong commitment to his adopted city and a desire to leave a joyful imprint on his community, saying he feels fulfilled knowing he can contribute something meaningful before his time ends.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.